Not in the Pink Exhibition and Book Launch
Not in the Pink opened to an enthusiastic crowd of approximately 300 people on Wednesday, November 26th. I was thrilled and excited to see the support from friends, colleagues and perfect strangers. The exhibition runs at the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie until mid January. Please stop by if you haven’t seen it. The book is currently available at the AGGP or from me through the website.
I would be grateful for any feedback that I could post on the website. Please feel free to contact me or reply to this blog.
Thank you one and all for your faith in me.
Tina
In our daily lives we can forget that we are part of a human panorama. But daily experience can be interrupted by sudden intrusions. Cancer is an example. Not In The Pink is an exquisite telling of how daily life can be consumed for a while by the intrusion of cancer. Tina Martel gives us an account with integrity, an honest portrayal, visually and literally, of diagnosis through treatment; of medical care and personal devotion. This book gives us anger, poignancy, determination, suffering, self-respect. And eloquence. Whether one has had cancer or not, it is a testament to living in the panorama.
Thank you, Alan…for your own eloquence. This book has been alternately a labour of love and a struggle. And I am overjoyed that it has the ability to move people.
I was at the opening of your Not In The Pink exhibit. I moved from one section of your work to another slowly – as I read and studied your art I did everything from nod in recognition, shake my head at what you went through, swear under my breath, and eventually I just stood there and let the tears roll down my cheeks. I came face to face with my own breast cancer journey in the pages of your story. Viewing your exhibit touched so many raw places within me.
It’s such powerful work. Above all I appreciate your honesty. We need voices like yours to tell what the journey through breast cancer is like – if someone else has felt all this then maybe we can give ourselves or a loved one going through it the space to feel the feelings without apology.
I don’t know why we need permission to be real and vulnerable but your book made me sigh with relief that someone else was brave enough to be both.
I sat down and read your book this weekend. Several times I burst into tears as your story touched my own.
Your work is a gift. Thank you.
Cheryl,
When I wrote/illustrated this book my one hope was that I would find and reach like minded souls and perhaps “convert” a few as well. The fact that I touched you has made it all worth while…
Thank you,
Tina
I just finished reading (which I read in one go, as I was unable to put down) Tina Martel’s book ‘Not in The Pink’: a memoir/graphic journal about her fight with cancer.
I was blown away by Tina’s ability to share her struggle in such a powerful and heartbreaking way…with moments of humor.
The beautiful artwork that is the featured backdrop, taken from her journals created during the treatments, add to the intimate narrative.
I recommend you read this book, you will be forever moved.
Thank you Lena. I will be forever moved by your words…
“NOT in the Pink” is a brave and honest journey of surviving cancer treatment. Tina’s genius in both visual art and writing are so powerful and honest. I found that Tina and those that love her through this journey are truly amazing human beings. I thank Tina for taking me along. Tina is one “tough cookie” and her writing is full of humour and strength. I hope many read “NOT in the Pink” so they too can understand and be filled with the compassion needed to be a positive support for those on this journey.
Gratefully yours,
Pat Stephenson
And gratefully yours Pat…
Such a great read! I read the book in one sitting – impossible to put down! This was such an interesting and moving account of Tina’s journey. Having known many people who’ve suffered through cancer, Tina’s account opened my eyes to the tremendous challenges they have faced and continue to face. This book should be required reading for cancer patients, survivors, friends and families. I thoroughly enjoyed the raw honesty, strength and humour throughout the book. Thank you, Tina!
Dolly, thanks for the fantastic comments. 🙂
I agree with Cheryl that your work is a ‘gift’. I read your book “Not In the Pink” in a day. I could not put it down. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me angry, it made me sad…so very sad…and yet while thinking of you, it also brought to mind all those others who have experienced or are experiencing these same things. I have never been in the hospital for an illness, or suffered anything comparable to this, but I think your book might help others to work through their demons as well. When I finished it, I wanted to write you and say how much I enjoyed it.. yet that is the wrong word. You were so honest, I felt like I was walking it with you…I hope that all of us who read this can now provide more compassion and understanding to family or friends as they journey this path which so many now travel. You are triumphant, yet remain a scared victor. My thoughts and prayers continue to travel with you.
Thanks,Linda. I am speechless…
forward from notinthepink.ca
This is absolutely fabulous. Tina Martel is smart, witty and gritty.
She is a treasure!